Hello!
I am currently working at an Eikaiwa and am in my third year as a basic teacher. Despite that, I have been given roles beyond my pay grade and official job title, such as revamping the curriculum for a course offered at my school and training new staff (there’s already a designated role for that at my school, and they are the “trainers”).
Last year, I had a contract meeting with my director in which he confirmed my interest in curriculum development and implied the creation of a curriculum development team and his consideration in designating me as a member of that team. He didn’t give me a specific plan and there was no follow-up. Flash forward to this year, I’m working on a curriculum development project for no extra pay and no official title.
When I inquired about this recently, I was told that it was for management to get a feel of what path teachers wanted to pursue in the company: if they wanted to go down the curriculum development path or trainer path. I was told it was not a formal offer or promise and that it was more so for them to know what to do when the time comes (I guess they implied when the time comes to make a curriculum development team? They didn’t elaborate on this.)
I’m feeling confused after this, considering the role I’m already having in curriculum development and my performance this year (I helped with the opening of a new branch with them and have exceeded goals in student numbers). I also have more qualifications than my peers: I can speak Japanese with native proficiency (which helps in sales talks) and I have a masters in education (note: I’m not saying this to disparage my peers; they are all very wonderful and competent at their job. Just wanted to give this as context). I am wondering if this just a way for them to keep me on with vague promises of a promotion without any actual action. In my mind, I think companies should be transparent with their plans for growth and promotion of each individual, and I know many Japanese companies have systems in place for that.
So, what do you think? Is this a ploy for them to keep me on despite no additional incentives? Or is it something worth exploring?
Thanks in advance!
by Plane_Hope270
20 comments
Eikaiwa jobs are a dime a dozen. I would call a meeting with whoever has the power at your company and let them know that you enjoy your job and the company but that career growth is important to you. Have lists prepared of what extra duties you’ve been doing and that you would like your job title to reflect that, and get a new contract. If they refuse, go somewhere else.
Curious why you got a masters if you just want to work at an Eikaiwa?
Stop wasting your time here and level up to a better job. They’ll just string you along. I bet you’re more qualified than them put together. Stop giving them free labor.
Thise jobs barely promote. Theres very few promotions and they usually are already taken by people who are permanent residents and been here awhile.
Eikawas are just temp job’s until you find something better..
If you have a masters you should apply to some universities, they offer good salaries usually and after i think 5 years they have to offer a permanent contract
They have no idea what they are doing and are coasting on any decision. Because it will likely cost money or disrupt the current structure too much to be worth he effort – in their eyes.
Also, you’re already doing essentially whatever it is they want..the best translational of ‘feel what path..’ is they don’t believe they can generate a role for you that would be adequately met with compensation. They know it would essentially be a leadership role as designing and taking responsibility for a curriculum (and training others up on it) is essentially that.
If they are not paying you incrementally more for having a masters..which they absolutely should be, you should start your transition out now. I would not be surprised in the slightest that any suggestion or require you make a about your role will essentially be met with teeth sucking and reluctance. Not because they can’t do it, but because they think letting someone beneath them come up with the ideas is weakness…which would make the epitome of bad managers.
You’re overqualified and if you stay to long in this position employers who want someone with your vmcr denials will question why you were working in such a position. It will make you questionable.
Regardless of job , always get such things in writing. You can’t pay bills with promises and kind words.
You should start applying for full time (limited term contract) uni gigs that typically only require a masters rather than phd. Also, you can apply to part time uni jobs to get some experience if you are having trouble finding a full time job. In the meantime, stop doing extra work for your eikaiwai company.
>Flash forward to this year, I’m working on a curriculum development project for no extra pay and no official title.
Hmmmmmmmmm
>I was told it was not a formal offer or promise and that it was more so for them to know what to do when the time comes
Double hmmmmmmmm
There’s no confusion. You are doing all the extra work for them for free now. Why would they pay you and promote you?
I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my dad when I was 12 or so. My dad wanted me to promise that I would mow the lawn while he was out shopping.
I protested that I shouldn’t need to promise to which he responded, “Well, if you’re going to do it then the promise is irrelevant. It’s only an issue if you don’t intend to really do it.”
This company isn’t promising anything because they have zero intention of delivering. If they did intent do deliver on these vague promises they’d state it clearly because there’s literally no downside to doing this (better retention, better employee motivation, etc.).
They aren’t going to deliver. Brush of your CV and find something better.
Eikaiwa curriculums are usually decided with sales and ease of use in mind, not actual education.
Being on a development team is just a way to keep you busy and make you feel like you’re on your way up.
If they have yet to put any of these “promises” in writing and present them to you with an exact transition date, then I would take my qualifications and start looking for other jobs that are more suitable. If you have any teacher certifications or can take some praxis exams, then you have an even bigger pool of options. Plus, after a while, you might end up finding eikaiwa work monotonous and boring and want to move on anyway, whether they promote you or not.
Sounds as though they want to get whatever they can out of you while not coughing up any additional money. The longer you stay, the more they will coax you into doing more so that they don’t have to themselves and/or knowing that they can easily string you along.
You’re doing extra work for no additional pay. Does anything more need to be said?
They’re pissing in your pocket. Look for another gig. If you really love the place ( that’s been exploiting you ) tell them you’ve found a better paying gig ( once you have ) and that you’d stay if xyz.
Then bail anyway.
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There is an argument to staying in the position long enough to rack up a couple of achievements. Being able to say you designed a curriculum for this or that course or led some other project can set you apart. The trouble with teaching is that in most roles you can’t really point to any concrete achievements. It may help you to find a better job elsewhere.
But as others have said, they are essentially getting you to do more work for the same money. The arrangement you describe is pretty common at eikaiwa. They see you as just an English teacher and will pay you the same no matter how much more valuable you are than your colleagues.
They’ll just try get what they can out of you.
When I worked Saturdays at an eikaiwa ten years ago (I was there for 7 years) they kept asking me to make and design their new curriculum. When I turned them down because they wouldn’t pay me extra they just spread it out over several other teachers working there instead who did it for free.
Ask for more money and see their response. I think that’ll let you know their real intentions.
In my eikaiwa experience. They’re fucking you, and will continue to fuck you sans lube until you are of less than little use to them.
Not sure what company you are working for but it sounds a little like a YSG brand? Maybe WB? If so, don’t expect any promotion (meaningful one, there may be a small pay raise given after moving up in rank) while the trainers are still there. If I’m correct in the company (maybe not though), those people have been there forever and aren’t going anywhere after receiving permanent status with the company. No New positions, no new promotions. Best bet is To request permanent employment status after 5 years. Until then, do the extra tasks they ask (you kind of have to in order to move up in grade) but don’t stress yourself doing it. It’s all a waiting game. Unfortunately, I don’t think your education will be considered, your Japanese level might make you more likable by management though! Again, only if I got the company right!
Get everything in writing
Dude, theyre doing that because you show no spine.
Hahaha I read “Japanese company vaguely….” and then I stopped.
You forgot the sucking in air through the teeth that comes with it.
Move on to a better job
AND ALWAYS GET IT IN A CONTRACT. ALWAYS!